June 19, 2014

 

Hello Church Family,

 

Are you on a Mission from God? Would you like to be on a Mission from God? Let's check back on those questions later, but first let me take you down my memory lane...

 

Over 30 years ago a zany movie hit the theaters called the Blues Brothers. Being a huge Dan Ankroyd and John Belushi fan I watched that movie over and over. Of course, I would recommend watching the TV version, if interested. Jake and Elwood Blues were the main characters who were reunited with people who cared for them when they were children at a Catholic orphanage. They learned the orphanage was going to be closed down due to funding issues and a lack of interest by the church to keep it open. Although Jake and Elwood had previously slid away from the faith they soon found themselves on a Mission from God to raise the funds necessary to keep the orphanage and school open. By doing so the children would have a place to live and get off the tough city streets. One of my favorite lines in the movie is when a lady asked them if they were the police, and they responded, "No mam, we're on a Mission from God".

 

I sure am proud of our church, and all the Mission from God work that takes place from inside and outside our doors. For me personally, one of my favorites is our Mission Possible which takes place every July, but as you know is quite the year-round project. I am also excited about going along with our youth to Bluefield, West Virginia at the end of the month where we will be witnessing to about 125 children in that area. Then there is the Kenya mission team heading out this summer; our partnership with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, as we send trained counselors to the Three Rivers Festival of Hope, where thousands of unsaved folks will accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior; and, coming in just days, will be our world-class Vacation Bible School.

 

Mission sure is a priority here at MLEPC, and it is evident from those outside our church who I hear say, "I wish my church was engaged in mission work like your church is." I am quick to say, it can happen at their church and can all start with that person to take the lead and start their own Mission from God. Perhaps the Holy Spirit has been tugging on your heart to do something you have never done before, so that others can know what you know: that being a follower of Jesus will change a person's life. Choices we make, and our priorities in life all are different when you are a true follower of the one and only true and living God.

 

Let's go back to my first questions: Are you or do you want to be on a Mission from God? Are you looking for something to bring you even closer to Him? If so, take advantage of all the opportunities to serve God this summer and beyond. Please feel free to talk with any of our church staff or leaders to help you find the place where God is leading you. And always remember what Jesus tells us in the book of Matthew 25: "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

 

God Bless You!

 

Andy Hromoko, Jr.

Youth Director

 

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Scripture Passage:  Acts 1:8